Water-Based vs Oil-Based Paints: Which Is Best for Woodwork?
If you’re having doors, skirting boards or other woodwork painted, one of the most common questions I get asked is whether water-based or oil-based paint is the better option.
Both have their place, but modern paints have moved on a lot in recent years. Here’s a clear, honest breakdown to help you choose the right finish for your home.
Drying Time:
Water-based paints dry much faster than oil-based alternatives. Most are touch-dry within an hour and ready for a second coat the same day.
Oil-based paints can take 16–24 hours between coats, which slows the job down and keeps rooms out of use for longer.
Winner: Water-based
Smell & Air Quality:
Water-based paints are low-odour, making them ideal for lived-in homes. There’s no strong solvent smell, and rooms can usually be used again very quickly.
Oil-based paints have a strong smell that can linger for days, especially in hallways, staircases and bedrooms.
Winner: Water-based
Colour & Yellowing:
One of the biggest downsides of oil-based paint is yellowing over time, particularly in low-light areas such as hallways, cloakrooms and behind doors.
Water-based paints keep whites looking bright and clean for years.
Winner: Water-based
Durability:
Oil-based paints were once considered tougher, but that’s no longer the case. Modern water-based woodwork paints cure hard, resist scuffs and remain slightly flexible — which helps prevent cracking.
For exterior woodwork, exterior-grade water-based systems now stand up very well to UK weather.
Winner: Water-based (modern systems)
Finish & Appearance:
With the right preparation and technique, water-based paints now produce a smooth, professional finish that rivals oil-based paints.
They level well and are available in matt, satin and gloss finishes.
Winner: Tie (depends on prep and application)
Cleanup & Environmental impact:
Water-based paints are easier to clean up — brushes and rollers rinse out with warm water.
They also have lower VOCs, making them a better choice for your home and the environment.
Oil-based paints require white spirit and have a higher environmental impact.
Winner: Water-based
Do you still need oil-based paint?
In most homes, no.
Oil-based paints may still be used in very specific situations, but for the majority of interior and exterior woodwork, modern water-based systems are now my go-to choice.
My professional recommendation:
For doors, skirting boards, architraves and trims, I recommend high-quality water-based systems paired with the correct primer and undercoat.
This gives:
Faster completion
Minimal disruption
Long-lasting results
A cleaner, healthier home
Need Advice or Want It Done Properly?
If you’re unsure which paint system is right for your home — or you’d like your woodwork painted professionally — feel free to get in touch for advice or a free quote.
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Providing high-quality interior painting, exterior painting, wallpapering, kitchen & furniture spraying, and eco-friendly paint solutions.
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